Frequently asked questions

You can apply for this credit starting in February 2023, after you’ve filed your 2022 federal tax return. You cannot apply for the credit during 2022.

Individuals and families are eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit in 2023 if they meet all of the following requirements:

• Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
• Lived in Washington a minimum of 183 days in 2022 (over half the year).
• Are at least 25 and under 65 years of age OR have a qualifying child in 2022.
• Filed a 2022 federal tax return.
• Eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on their 2022 tax return (or would meet the requirements for EITC but are filing with an ITIN). ​​​​
  • Go to www.irs.gov/EITC to learn more.
• Meet certain income requirements.

The income limits are based on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (ETIC). View the current income limits.
Note: These thresholds change each year and will be updated on the IRS’s website.

No, you do not have to be currently employed to receive the credit. However, you must have earned income in 2022 to be eligible.

The Working Families Tax Credit is dependent on the number of qualifying children and income level. The minimum credit is $50, regardless of the number of qualifying children. See table for estimates based on the 2021 income eligibility thresholds.

Yes, you can choose to apply online or submit a paper application.

Yes, the online and paper application will be available in Spanish.  
The paper application will also be available in Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

Yes, when the online application is available, you will be able to use your phone’s browser to submit an application.

The credit is intended to stimulate local economic activity, advance racial equity, and promote economic stability and well-being for working individuals and their families in Washington.

We plan to create a Community Outreach Advisory Committee to serve as a voice for the customer and provide feedback on the implementation of the Working Families Tax Credit. In addition, we have held listening sessions to gather input directly from community members and organizations. View the Listening Session Reports November 2021, May 2022.

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To learn more about rule making visit: 

• Department of Revenue's rule making process
• Rule making FAQs
• Summary of Bill Draft
• Full Bill Draft

SecureAccess Washington is a single sign-on account to access over 300 Washington state services. It provides login security, such as multi-factor authentication (sends a code to your cell phone or email) and allows you to access multiple accounts to access state services.

The Working Families Tax Credit program uses SecureAccess Washington, or SAW. SecureAccess Washington is a single sign-on account to access over 300 Washington state services. It provides login security, such as multi-factor authentication (sends a code to your cell phone or email) and allows you to access multiple accounts to access state services.